Joan Hill passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on November 23, 2015 in Denton, Texas. She was born in New York City, New York to Mary A. (Martin) Hill and the late John I. Hill on September 18, 1949.

She graduated from Franklin High School in 1967 and during her four years there excelled in the sports of field hockey, softball, and basketball. After graduation Joannie left for Texas to attend college. She was a graduate of Kilgore Junior College Class of 1969 and was a proud member/captain of Kilgore's Rangerette Drill Team. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education from North Texas State University, now known as the University of North Texas, in 1971.

Joannie then became an Educator at the Denton State Supporting Living Center in Denton, Texas for 30 years and also held the position of Special Olympics Coordinator.

After her years at the State School, she started the Denton Diamonds Special Olympics, coaching teams in Bowling, Tennis, Swimming, and Cycling. She was recognized in 1993 and 1994 for her completion of the Special Olympics Sports Certification Program for Unified Sports by Eunice K. Shriver.

Joannie is survived by her daughter, Dianna Hanson; sister, Helen Hill Gauthier; brother, Kevin J. Hill; 2 nephews, Shaun and Cody Hill; 2 cherished goddaughters, Ariana and Katherine Cuellar; good friends, and many cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors at 2025 W. University Drive, Denton, Texas on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Denton Diamonds, 909 Lake Forest Trail, Little Elm, Texas 75068.